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Prevention of product loss through the use of methoprene-treated packaging D. SCHEFF (1), F. Arthur (1), B. Subramanyam (2) (1) USDA, Manhattan, KS, U.S.A.; (2) Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, U.S.A..
The insect growth regulator methoprene can be incorporated into the matrix of food packaging as a treatment to protect the contents from insects. Methoprene is exempt from food tolerance requirements under 40-CFR 180.1033, and is currently registered as an insecticide for use on stored raw grains, as a residual surface treatment, and as an aerosol. It is labeled by the US-EPA for use as a packaging treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of methoprene-treated packaging on egg hatch and penetration ability of larvae of <i>Tribolium variabile</i> Ballion, the warehouse beetle, and <i>Plodia interpunctella</i> (Hübner), the Indian meal moth. Treatment arenas were constructed with packaging treated with different concentrations of methoprene, and eggs of both species were exposed in the arenas. In addition, heat-sealed foil packages were created either with or without pinholes, placed in vials, and larvae introduced into the vials to assess penetration and survival of exposed larvae. There was no significant effect on egg hatch of either species when placed on treated or untreated arenas. <i>T. variabile</i> were unable to penetrate any foil packages. <i>P. interpunctella</i> penetrated all packaging containing pinholes. Methoprene-treated foil packages adversely affected <i>T. variabile</i> development, and deformed pupae and adults were observed at all levels of methoprene. The methoprene-treated packaging reduced adult emergence of larvae of <i>P. interpunctella</i> compared to untreated controls. Methoprene-treated packaging can potentially be used as part of management plans to protect the contents of packaged goods from infestations by stored-product insects.
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